From the Staging Lanes | October '08

BY: ISAAC DEHAAN

"In any race, the hardest mile is never the first, but almost always the last."

I
don't know who said it or wrote it, but isn't it true? This coming weekend, I
will be in Primm for the NSDA Fall Nationals, enjoying some fine west coast
racing. That's not the only reason I'll be enjoying it though, as it is also
the last race I have to work for a while. You see, Primm is the final race
weekend of a 9 week stretch that we as a family have either worked at or raced
a sand drag event every weekend! We have done the inaugural Ionia Sand Drags
event (twice if you count the rain out), the MSBA Fall hillclimb, the final 5
races of the WMSD season, and even a car show to do some race promotion. I tell
you, it has been quite a stretch. Summer vacation has ended, my son is in 1st
grade now, and some of my volunteer activities have restarted so it has been
easy to get lost in what's going on.

Don't get me
wrong here, this stretch has been great!! I have gotten to see people I have
not seen at the races in years, got to see some different race tracks, and
timing systems while just having an all around good time. The camaraderie and general
good attitude of most racers is just enjoyable to be around and makes it fun to
go to the race track. Working at the track is a little different, in the aspect
that seeing people do well is fun, especially when its people you hang out with
after the races are done.

To tell the truth though, I am a little burnt out. It is also a lot of work
getting to and from from all these race weekends too. Add to that the fact that
everything you normally get done on the weekend; mowing the yard, cleaning the
garage, doing other stuff around the house now has to get done during the week
at night after work. Did I mention the fact that since September 1st, we have
been losing 3 minutes of daylight per day? In other words, its getting dark
earlier folks, which means less time to get stuff especially out door tasks
done at night after work. It all adds up to getting more done, in less time,
with more stuff waiting for your next available time slot. It can really wear
on a person if you let it.

I saw a sign on the Conference Grounds, a camp ground right on Lake Michigan the other day and even though I had seen it
probably 100 times before,I read it like I was seeing it for the first time. It
was so simple, but very true, it said, "Come Ye Apart and Rest A While." What a
concept!! We were not made to be so busy so we tend lose track of our
surroundings and our personal direction, and we need to get away once in a
while, even from things that bring us happiness and joy for our lives. The
point of all this you ask? It is this, that its OK to take a break. It is OK to
miss a race or skip an event, its OK to go to a race and only have your kids
race, or just spend time with your buddies and help them out. Try it out, see
for yourself, and you'll be surprised how relaxing it can be.

That's all for now, I'll have another installment shortly after Primm. Until
then, I'll see you in the Staging Lanes.